DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
APRIL 11, 2026
READ: Psalm 63
MEMORY VERSE
“I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:8
BACKGROUND
As I write these words, our Lhasa Apso dog, Winston, lies curled up at my feet. He’d watched me move from where I had been—the chair next to him—to the dining room table. That extra ten feet had been too far away from me.
I’ve been traveling for work a lot lately, and I think it’s getting to him. If I even hint that I’m leaving, or use the word “go,” he’s right on top of me. Practically clinging to me.
In human relationships, someone being “clingy” isn’t normally a compliment. But I see in my dog’s clinginess a vivid portrait of trusting dependence—one that’s mirrored in Psalm 63.
Here, David paints a picture of loving dependence upon God: “You, God, are my God,” he begins in verse 1. “Earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you.”
In verse 3, he adds, “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” Near the end, we read, “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me” (v. 8).
Like David—and maybe even a bit like my dog depends on me—I want to depend on God with my whole being, earnestly seeking Him. Sometimes, I do. Other times, my heart may be cooler, less trusting. But when I repent of my fickle mistrust and return to Him, I remember that He alone fills me.
He alone is the one who will leave me “fully satisfied as with the richest of foods” (v. 5).
Adam R. Holz
INSIGHT
The header for Psalm 63 identifies the author and the situation that inspired the song: “A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.”
There’s good reason to believe that it was written when he fled from his son Absalom, who sought to overthrow him as king over Israel (2 Samuel 15-19).
In a time of personal and national stress, David poetically and intensely expressed his dependence upon God. Uncomfortable physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual conditions have a way of showing us our dependence on God.
Today, weary, wandering people can go to the psalmist’s “wilderness prayer room” for language that helps to give expression to our prayers of dependence. In times of desperation, we can say, “I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you . . . . I cling to you” (Psalm 63:1, 8).
When we confess our sins, we see that God alone brings satisfaction to our own wilderness.
Arthur Jackson
APPLICATION
What helps you experience God’s character as a loving Father most fully? How does trusting Him help us depend on Him?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Uncomfortable physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual conditions have a way of showing us our dependence on God.”
PR’s TAKE
“Trusting God is choosing to act in utter dependence on Him; trying harder is opting to retain control.” Marnie Swedberg
“God’s goal for you is total dependence on Him” Marnie Swedberg
“Your independence is your total dependence on God.” Gifty Akita
PRAYER
“Dear Father, thank You for Your lavish love. Please help me depend upon You in all that I do.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“AS THE DEER PANTHETH”
As the deer pants for the water
So my soul longs after you
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship you
You alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone will my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship you
I want you more than gold or silver
Only you can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye
You alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone will my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship you
You’re my friend and you are my Father
Even though you are my King
I love you more than any other
So much more than anything
You alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone will my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship you
